Australian fast bowler Brett Lee announced his retirement from
cricket on Thursday, bringing to an end a career that started in
1995.

Lee has only played Twenty20 (T20) cricket since 2012, combining
his playing with more extensive work on television, and speaking at
a media conference, the 38-year-old conceded he will give the game
away when the Sydney Sixers' 2014-15 Big Bash League (BBL) campaign
ends this month.

The Sixers have one more match before the BBL finals - against
local rivals the Sydney Thunder - while they are likely to qualify
for the play-offs, as they sit third in the standings.

Lee claimed he decided to retire at the start of the BBL season,
adding that added to his enjoyment with the Sixers.

"I knew before the season started that this was going to be my
last season," the veteran bowler said.

"I met with [coach] Trevor Bayliss and the talk was will I play
for another two or three years, and I had that option, but I said
to him straight away I want to make this my last year, I really
want to enjoy this year.

"I think I've certainly had a lot more fun in the last six weeks
than I ever have in my life. That's because I haven't put pressure
on myself.

"Cricket has given me so many great memories, it has given me so
many great opportunities. I've been lucky enough to play for 20
years, whereas most people might get a year or two. To play for two
decades at the top level, really happy."

Lee played 76 Tests for Australia, taking 310 wickets at an
average of 30.81, while he made 221 one-day international
appearances, claiming 380 scalps at 23.36.

In T20 cricket, Lee played 25 games for his country, taking 28
wickets at 25.50.

In this season's BBL, Lee sits equal fourth for wickets with
nine - averaging 22.22, with an economy rate of 7.14 runs per
over.